United finally apologises as image takes beating

CHICAGO: The CEO of embattled United Airlines unequivocally apologised Tuesday for an incident in which a passenger was dragged off a plane, promising a thorough review of the airline’s practices.

The apology came amid a torrent of criticism of the carrier’s actions on a Sunday flight and its initial explanations. In images now seen worldwide, a passenger was forcefully removed and bloodied in the process — the entire event captured on video by passengers and posted on social media.

Passenger David Dao, 69, had refused to be “bumped” from the overbooked flight, an airline practice that has now come under scrutiny.

“I continue to be disturbed by what happened… and I deeply apologise to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard,” CEO Oscar Munoz said. “We take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.”

The comments were in stark contrast to the company’s initial response, in which it seemed to at least partially blame the passenger, inflaming worldwide outrage.